Horse Sense

Michael Woods drifts through his life in Los Angeles, living off his parents' wealth while juggling college and a spoiled relationship with Gina. He shows little interest in responsibility and family obligations. The setup contrasts his carefree attitude with the coming test from his cousin Tommy.

11-year-old Tommy Biggs arrives in California to visit the family after years apart. Michael treats the visit as an interruption to his social life. The stage is set for a clash between family duty and personal pleasures.

On Tommy's last day in California, housekeeper Arlene confronts Michael about his mistreatment and threatens to tell his parents. Michael evasively deflects and minimizes the harm he's caused. The warning foreshadows consequences to come.

Michael decides to take Tommy to Disneyland to make amends for his earlier cold treatment. A phone call from Gina interrupts the plan, as she asks him to meet her at a racetrack instead. The choice between family and social life begins to tilt against Michael.

Michael charmes Gina's father at the track, spending a couple of hours away from Tommy. Confronted with the pressing date, he hurries back only to realize Tommy has already been dropped off at a children's daycare. This marks the nadir of his neglect.

On the way back, Michael collides with another vehicle owned by Diedre White. He later learns that Arlene picked Tommy up hours earlier, leaving the boy’s whereabouts a mystery. The accident exposes the consequences of his self-centered choices.

At home, the Biggs family puzzles over Michael's conduct as Glenn and Jacey demand accountability. The police visit to investigate the accident confirms the seriousness of his behavior. Tommy vows to get back at him someday.

Michael is sent to Jules' ranch in Montana for a month of unpaid work as punishment for his selfishness. His parents threaten to cancel his Riviera trip if he fails to put in the effort. Montana marks a turning point away from his LA lifestyle.

Michael is assigned early chores, but Tommy sabotages every task to make his labor harder as revenge. The two clash as Michael tries to assert authority while Tommy tests his resolve. The animosity begins to soften only after a frank confrontation.

Twister reprimands Michael for laziness and explains the Biggs' financial struggles. Michael finally sees that his family has real hardship, and he starts reexamining his attitude. The moment marks the first shift toward maturity.

Michael begins adapting to ranch life and repairs his relationship with Tommy, who reveals his father was terminally ill and their debts grew from medical bills. The two grow closer as they share tasks and ambitions. Michael's new empathy drives his decisions.

Jules explains that foreclosure and a bank auction loom due to late mortgage payments and poor profits. Michael understands why Jules sent Tommy away and feels the weight of the family crisis. The stakes rise as the ranch's future hangs in the balance.

Michael returns to Los Angeles, ends his relationship with Gina, and sells his Porsche to fund the ranch. He realizes the old life no longer suits him. The moral journey pivots around choosing family over trivial status.

On the day of the auction, Michael recalls a land trust concept and negotiates with the bank to keep the Biggs on the ranch. The bank agrees, allowing the family to stay while they seek a longer-term solution. Jules agrees to let Michael continue working and spending time with the family.

Tommy and Michael finish a long-unfinished treehouse that symbolizes their restored bond. The completion marks a new chapter for both and a more hopeful family dynamic. The ranch remains as they plan for the future.